Measuring Light Pollution
Students measure light intensity by constructing and using a light meter.
Students are introduced to the concept of light pollution by investigating the nature, sources and levels of light in their classroom environment. They learn about the adverse effects of artificial light and the resulting consequences on humans, animals and plants: sky glow, direct glare, light trespass, animal disorientation and energy waste. Student teams build light meters using color sensors mounted to LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 intelligent bricks and then record and graph the light intensity emitted in various classroom lighting situations. They are introduced to the engineering concepts of sensors, lux or light meter, and lumen and lux (lx) illuminance units. Through this activity, students also learn how to better use light and save energy as well as some of the technologies designed by engineers to reduce light pollution and energy waste.
Creating and controlling light is a great engineering achievement. Engineers develop artificial sources of light to satisfy specific requirements including good luminance, energy savings, and light fixture design that appropriately directs and reflects light, reduces light waste and minimizes light invasion. The modern complexity of light installation in buildings and outdoor venues requires the expertise of lighting/illumination engineers to design for specific needs and optimize power consumption. In this activity, the lux meter built and used by students is an example device that connects electrical engineering and computer science. The activity provides mathematics practice in recording, plotting and analyzing data, mirroring how engineers collect and analyze data to solve real-world design challenges.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain and identify light pollution and understand how engineers measure light intensity.
- Describe and list examples of adverse effects resulting from light pollution.
- Describe and list solutions proposed by engineers to address light pollution.
- Construct a light level meter to record light intensity in the classroom.
- Plot and analyze collected data.